Supplier Quality Engineer

About Epirus

Epirus is a high-growth technology company dedicated to overcoming the asymmetric challenges inherent to the future of national security. Epirus' flagship product, Leonidas, is a software-defined system built using intelligent power management techniques which allow power-hungry systems to do more with less.  

Job Summary: 

This is an exciting Supplier Quality Engineer role with an innovative, high-growth defense technology company. The ideal candidate for the position is someone who has experience as the quality interface with suppliers. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining supplier quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and product requirements. You will work closely with talented engineering, operations and supply chain teams to drive corrective actions and continuous improvement throughout the supply base to ensure the highest level of product quality and reliability.   

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement supplier quality management programs, including audits, assessments, material readiness reviews, and corrective action plans. 
• Ensure suppliers meet regulatory, contractual, and company quality requirements, including AS9100 and defense-specific standards. 
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for supplier quality issues. 
• Lead supplier performance reviews, including metrics tracking and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to resolve technical and quality-related challenges including the disposition of non-conforming material. 
• Support first article inspections (FAI), process validation, and qualification of new suppliers and components. 
• Provide technical guidance and training to suppliers to improve quality and manufacturing processes. 
• Drive continuous improvement activities using Lean, Six Sigma, and other quality methodologies. 
• Develop and implement inspection plans to ensure effective verification of product characteristics by receiving inspection. 
• Actively engage in the product development process representing supplier quality to drive supplier readiness utilizing key characteristics management, FAI, PPAP (Production Part Approval Process), inspection capability analysis and other quality tools.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or related field  
• 2+ years of quality/manufacturing experience working with suppliers in regulated industries. 
• Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerances.  
• Experience in leading or supporting supplier audits, source inspections, risk management and flow-down of supplier quality requirements (SOW, Quality Clauses, T&C). 
• Familiarity with processes such as machining, sheet metal fabrication, mechanical and electro-mechanical assembly and mechanical inspection techniques. 
• Proficiency in root cause analysis, failure analysis, and problem-solving methodologies. 
• Working knowledge of quality management system standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, and/or other similar standards. Experience with performing or supporting First Article Inspections per AS9102. 
• Working knowledge of the Product Development Process and DFx (Design for Excellence) principles. 
• Experience using data analysis tools to identify trends and establish metrics using SPC and issue/defect management systems. 
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and drive supplier improvements in a fast-paced start-up environment.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Auditor, Lean Six Sigma, or IPC standards are a plus. 
• Experience with SolidWorks, Oracle, MES software, Jira, Confluence and PLM Systems. 
• Experience in the Aerospace/Defense industry working with highly technical. electromechanical assemblies and tests. Knowledge of IPC and MIL-STD specifications. 
• Knowledge of APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) elements such as Production Part Approval Processes (PPAP), Control Plans, PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, and Measurement Capability Analysis. 
• Experience in developing new and/or optimizing inspection processes. 
• Ability to travel up to 50% as needed to supplier locations and manufacturing sites.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: 

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

At Epirus, you’ll work with technical peers and great people—and get first crack at some of the defining technology challenges of our time. Here, “impossible” is just a challenge. We're a diverse, fast-growing team of change-makers fueling the future of energy with revolutionary solutions. Join us and rewrite the rules.